Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF)

A Building Warrant of Fitness is a statutory declaration issued annually by the building owner (or their IQP) to Council, stating that the requirements of the Compliance Schedule have been fully met for the previous year (i.e.: verifying that systems are in working order).

The Building Warrant of Fitness must have attached to it all certificates of compliance issued by the Independent Qualified Persons (IQP).

These documents must be issued in the prescribed form (Form 12A - see below) and certify that the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures stated in the Compliance Schedule have been fully complied with during the previous 12 months.

The building owner is responsible for signing the Form 12 and supplying it along with the Form 12As to Council on the anniversary of the Compliance Schedule being issued.

A copy of the Building Warrant of Fitness must be displayed in a prominent place in the building and copies of the certificates provided by the IQP must be available on request.

For the first year you must display the Compliance Schedule Statement in a public place in the building in the same way as the BWoF which replaces it.

View Building Warrant of Fitness form (Form 12).

What documents should I keep regarding the Building Warrant of Fitness?

You are legally required to obtain written reports relating to the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures of the Compliance Schedule which must be signed by the Independent Qualified Persons (IQP) who has carried out any of the listed procedures (inspection, maintenance or reporting).

You are required to keep all reports for a period of two years and produce those reports for inspection when required.

Can I be prosecuted for not obtaining a Compliance Schedule or if my Building Warrant of Fitness has expired?

Yes,  there are a number of infringements that can be issued on an owner of a building for not complying with the legislative requirements. The infringements range from $250 for failing to obtain a Compliance Schedule, to $1000 for failing to display a current BWOF in accordance with Section 108 of the Building Act 2004.

Independent Qualified Persons (IQPs)

An Independent Qualified Person (IQP) is a tradesperson who is qualified to carry out any performance inspection, maintenance, reporting or recommendation on a specified system.

All Independent Qualified Persons are required to be registered with Council.  You can access the IQP register from the list below.